Sacramental Gifts | Knights of Columbus

Overview

The sacraments stand as the most significant events in the life of the domestic church. The Knights of Columbus will be there to support and embrace our parish families at these essential moments of encounter with Christ. As children and adult members become more integrated into the life of the church and their parish, they should know that members of the Knights of Columbus will always be present in a tangible and meaningful way.

Action Steps

Identify a program chairman to oversee all action steps and delegate tasks, as needed. If coordinating with the parish, confirm pastor approval with grand knight, and then set up subsequent parish ministry collaboration meetings.
Determine your council’s budget and prioritize which Sacraments you will be able to provide gifts for. The Supreme Council has suggested gifts, available online through Knights Gear, for Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, and Marriages. Although the Supreme Council offers preselected gifts, councils are encouraged to create and distribute their own gifts for this program. The best gift is one that is relevant to your parish and has a lasting impact on the recipient. When choosing a gift, please be mindful of existing cultural traditions in your community and the potential for any unintended perceptions of the gifts your council chooses to present.
Well in advance of the sacramental Mass, determine the approximate number of recipients from your pastor and order Sacramental Gifts for the specific sacrament being received. Orders can be placed online through Knights gear. It is always best to order more gifts than expected and have them ready for next time. Prior to the service, determine exactly how many people will be receiving the sacrament from your pastor or other parish representative and make sure that you have enough gifts ready.
Inform the parents or recipients of the council’s intent to present gifts at the Mass or ceremony to ensure that recipients are not caught unaware. This can be done by a council member or by representative from the parish.
On the day of the sacrament, prepare the gifts in the church prior to the service and have them easily accessible. Check with the presiding priest to ensure that they are ready for the presentation. Ideally, the gifts are presented at the conclusion of the service and prior to the family taking pictures. If allowed by your pastor, a script can be read at the presentation to mark the significance of this event and how the gift contributes.
To gain credit for your program, complete the associated reporting forms.
- Immediately after your program is finished, complete the Fraternal Programs Report Form (#10784)
- At the end of the fraternal year, complete the Columbian Award Application (#SP-7)

Resources

#10727- Brochure

Program resources can be ordered by your grand knight, financial secretary and/or program director on Supplies Online via Officers Online.